Reyes calls Cormier a 'low IQ hater' after UFC 333 stoppage win in Abu Dhabi

Dominick Reyes delivered one of his sharpest performances in years at UFC 333 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, stopping Azamat Murzakanov at 2:40 of the first round with a head kick, a straight left, and finishing punches. The victory, however, was quickly overshadowed by a public dispute with UFC Hall of Famer and commentator Daniel Cormier.

Reyes took to X shortly after the fight to accuse Cormier of disrespecting him by repeatedly calling him “kid” during the broadcast. He went further, labelling the former two-division champion a “low IQ hater” and arguing that biased expert commentary has a tangible impact on fighters’ careers and public perception.

“Real talk, who actually likes hearing low IQ hater ass DC?” Reyes wrote. “Sick of being the nice guy while these clowns flat out disrespect and marginalize what I’ve done in this sport.”

Cormier responded calmly, insisting the term carried no negative intent and that he had privately praised Reyes to his team after the fight.

“Yo Dom, chill,” Cormier wrote. “I don’t call you kid negatively. I’ve only spoke truth to you. When you do amazing shit like you did today, I praise you. If you do something like the last fight with Johnny, I speak the truth about that, too.”

Reyes was unmoved, clarifying that his grievance was professional rather than personal.

“My name is Dominick, not ‘kid,’” he replied. “I’m bothered by your lack of research and knowledge whilst commentating. Your ‘expert’ commentary sways the opinions of average fans, and that has a profound effect on our lives.”

Cormier pushed back, telling Reyes he was “tripping” and offering to speak face to face. “I actually like you,” he wrote. “This may have been your best performance. But this is insane. Just stop! Seriously.”

Reyes made clear that personal goodwill was beside the point. “I don’t care if you like me, truly,” he wrote. “I only care that you have unbiased, well-informed color commentary.”

The former light heavyweight title challenger did eventually soften his tone, acknowledging that commentators, like fighters, are working to the best of their ability. The exchange nonetheless highlighted the tension that can exist between athletes and the broadcast voices who shape how their performances are received by the wider public.

Reyes challenged for the UFC light heavyweight title against Jon Jones in February 2020, losing by unanimous decision in a contest widely regarded as one of the closest title fights in the division’s history.